The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is extremely pleased to announce the three recipients of the Special Merit Award at this year’s Eterlast RPA Awards 2023, as selected by the RPA Players’ Board.

To celebrate their fantastic achievement of reaching 100 appearances for their country, Dan Cole, Owen Farrell and Emily Scarratt will all receive this well-deserved recognition at the prestigious event.

Cole made his England debut back in February 2010 against Wales at Twickenham and is England Men’s second-most capped prop behind Jason Leonard. He featured in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup. During his career, the Leicester Tigers prop has also featured for the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017. He made his 100^th appearance for his country against Ireland during the most recent Six Nations.

Farrell earned his 100^th appearance for England during the 2022 Autumn Nation Series, against New Zealand. The England captain made his full senior debut against Scotalnd in Murrayfield in 2012, and has become a stalwart of the English side. He played in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup, and has won three Six Nations championships (2016, 2017, 2020). Like Cole, he also played for the British & Irish Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021. 

Scarratt achieved her landmark achievement during the 2022 Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations, at Leicester Tigers, her hometown, during their win over Ireland in April 2022.  The centre made her debut for her country back in 2008, and in twelve games, scoring twelve tries. In her career, she has won eight Six Nations Titles, won the Rugby World Cup back in 2014, and was named in the 2014 Dream Team. She also went on to be named Women’s World Player of the Year back in 2019, and became the Red Roses highest ever point scorer in 2020.

We would like to congratulate all three players on such an outstanding achievement and we look forward to welcoming them in the room on May 17^th to celebrate their award.

Tables are still available for the Eterlast RPA Awards 2023, so make sure you book your place, it’s an event not to be missed. Email events@therpa.co.uk to find out more or visit www.therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards.